St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Asthma-Friendly Hospital Award from Florida Asthma Coalition

TAMPA, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2018) – St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital was awarded the Asthma-Friendly Hospital designation by the Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC) and is the first pediatric hospital to achieve this recognition in the State of Florida.

FAC recognizes the valuable role hospitals play in caring for patients with asthma and developed the Asthma-Friendly Hospital recognition by collaborating with administrative, clinical and supportive partners across the state.

The steps taken by hospitals to earn this recognition helps to significantly reduce unnecessary hospital visits, re-admissions and overall health outcomes due to asthma.

“We strive to create a safe and healthy environment for our patients, visitors and team members with asthma, and we are proud to receive the Asthma-Friendly Hospital designation as a result of these efforts,” said Katy Thomas-Kuhn, RRT, the pulmonary patient navigator at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

According to the FAC, asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in kids and effects approximately one in 10 children in Florida. Asthma can be controlled and episodes can be avoided by knowing the warning signs of an episode, staying away from things that trigger an episode, and following the advice of a doctor or other medical professional.